Ultimate Fighter 18: Cody Land Talks About Tryout Experience

Cody Land has competed in well over 30 fights as both a pro and amateur.

Land, a bantamweight, holds a record of 9-2 in his career and recently tried out for the 18th season of The Ultimate Fighter.

The Nebraska-native didn’t make it, advancing all the way to the alternate spot. He talked with FightLine.com recently about his experience.

“The tryouts were awesome,” Land said. “Definitely a very competitive group. It was crazy. (As an alternate) I cut weight with them and if someone missed weight, I could have potentially been given a spot to fight to get in the house. But everyone made weight.”

Sixteen male and 16 females made the show, which debuts September 4 on FOX Sports 1 with Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate serving as coaches.

“It was an amazing learning experience, yet tough at the same time being an alternate and seeing the other fighters (make it),” he said. “I feel like I would have been a better pick to be a cast member than a select few, but the UFC and (FOX) producers didn’t see it that way.

“I’m not complaining because it’s all about the journey and it was definitely the coolest part of my career to date.”

Land added that he talked with UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, who “knew who I was….(and) made me feel confident that I’m that much closer to my dreams.”

While the TUF run didn’t work out, Land will attempt to become a champion next, fighting for the bantamweight title in Midwest Championship Fighting. The bout is set for September vs. Johnny Torres in the main event.